With players beginning to report to the 2026 UFL training camp, new Head Coach Ricky Proehl of the Battlehawks hopped on KMOX’s “Gashouse Gang” hosted by Bernie Miklasz, and Chris Rongey. With the Proehl and his staff prepping for training camp, the Battlehawks Head Coach revealed several key tidbits going into the 2026 season.
Coaching Staff Update:
Coach Proehl announced that his son Austin Proehl would be joining the staff with his role not yet determined. The younger Proehl finished up his playing career in 2023 after six years in professional football, transitioning into the coaching ranks. Austin Proehl has been at Division-II Wingate since 2025, and can be assumed to working with the team’s receivers in the spring of 2026.
Coach Proehl (Ricky), also mentioned that NFL alum Jeff Zgonina is joining his staff as well. Zgonina spent 17 seasons in the NFL, before transitioning into coaching in 2013. Zgonina, has been a prominently defensive line coach with stops at the Texans, Giants, 49ers, Washington Football Team/Commanders, and most recently the Dallas Cowboys.
Down a Quarterback:
Coach Proehl also announced that Quarterback Michael Pratt will not be joining the Battlehawks in the spring of 2026. Pratt played his college ball at Tulane, and spent time with the Bucs along with the Packers. It is unknown if Pratt has signed with an NFL team or has retired playing football yet. The Battlehawks now will look for a third quarterback to compete with veteran Brandon Silvers, and 2025 UDFA Ben Wooldridge.
“Michael Pratt decided his heart wasn’t in it”
A St. Louis Ambassador and Ties to the Rams
Proehl wasn’t shy about wanting to incorporate his teammates from his St. Louis Rams playing days into the 2026 Battlehawks. He mentioned that Linebacker Mike Jones from the Rams Super Bowl victory will serve as an ambassador for the Battlehawks, while also making an effort to have many former teammates stop by for games as well such as Torry Holt. The Battlehawks in the past have brought in former Rams, such as former Head Coach Mike Martz as an honoree prior to a game.
Final Thoughts:
The Battlehawks are scheduled to begin their 2026 season against the D.C. Defenders on March 28th at home. With expectations high, the Battlehawks who retained 16 players from the 2025 team, along with 33 players with spring league ties. The Battlehawks are coming off two consecutive playoff seasons, hoping to get over the hump in 2026.
